Budapest was the most popular domestic travel destination in Hungary during the spring season, while advance bookings for the summer indicate that Siófok, Lake Balaton resorts and spa towns are attracting the strongest interest, according to accommodation booking platform Szallas.hu.
The company said travellers largely favoured cultural and city-break experiences during the spring months, but preferences are shifting toward lakeside and wellness destinations as the summer holiday season approaches.
After Budapest, the most popular spring destinations were Eger and Pécs. The top ten also included Szeged, Siófok, Gyula, Miskolc, Nyíregyháza, Hajdúszoboszló and Balatonfüred.
Hotels accounted for roughly one-third of spring bookings, while apartments represented 27 per cent, guesthouses 22 per cent and pensions 13 per cent.
Short stays continued to dominate the market, with one- and two-night trips making up around 80 per cent of all spring reservations. Nearly two-thirds of bookings were valued at less than 70,000 forints, while only 8 per cent exceeded 170,000 forints.
Looking ahead to summer, advance booking data places Siófok at the top of the rankings, followed by Hajdúszoboszló and Gyula. Balatonfüred, Eger, Szeged, Balatonlelle, Budapest, Nyíregyháza and Pécs also feature among the most sought-after destinations.
According to Szallas.hu spokesperson Lili Kelemen, the rankings may still change as last-minute booking behaviour remains a strong trend among Hungarian travellers.
The company noted that more than 26 per cent of online payments processed through its platform so far have been made using SZÉP cards, Hungary’s popular employee benefit payment system. The share could rise further before the end of the month, as unused 2024 balances can still be spent without deductions until 31 May.
The Lake Balaton region currently accounts for 33 per cent of domestic summer bookings, followed by Northern Hungary with 14 per cent and the Southern Great Plain with 11 per cent.
Longer holidays are also becoming more common. Reservations of at least five nights represent 22 per cent of summer bookings, while three-night stays remain the most popular option at 25 per cent. Two-night trips account for 22 per cent, four-night holidays for 19 per cent and single-night stays for 12 per cent.
Apartments are the most sought-after accommodation type for the summer season, attracting 36 per cent of bookings. Guesthouses account for 25 per cent and hotels for 24 per cent.
In terms of spending, a quarter of summer reservations are valued below 70,000 forints, while 40 per cent fall into the 70,000–170,000 forint range. Bookings exceeding 170,000 forints account for 34 per cent of all summer reservations.
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